Subject: General Business
Title
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Proclamation
Body
Department: Legislation
Presenter(s): Alberto De Los Rios, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Summary and Background of Subject Matter:
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The celebratory month spans from September 15 to October 15 and commemorates the influence of Latinx and Hispanic communities in American society. It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Johnson and later evolved into Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988 under President Reagan. September 15 serves as the kickoff date because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua-all nations that declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Similarly, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively. More information can be found on the History.com <https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month> and National Today <https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/>. <<https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month>>
<https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/#:~:text=The%20Latinos%20in%20the%20U.S. <https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/>>
Last year, President Joe Biden issued an annual proclamation for “National Hispanic Heritage Month,” in which he urged the nation to recognize that “Hispanic heritage is American heritage.” As of 2020, there are approximately 62.1 million Hispanic/Latinx people living in the United States, the second largest population group in the country. Like other underserved communities in the U.S., Hispanic / Latinx people have lower wealth, higher levels of poverty and incarceration rates, and low rates of representation across government and high-ranking corporate positions in comparison to white populations. They are also more likely to face inhumane work conditions and discrimination and mistreatment based on immigration status. More information on President Biden’s Proclamation can be accessed on the White House’s website <https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/14/a-proclamation-on-national-hispanic-heritage-month-2021/> and a wide compilation of Hispanic/Latinx data points can be seen on the Pew Research Center’s collection <https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/racial-ethnic-groups/hispanics-latinos/>. <https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/14/a-proclamation-on-national-hispanic-heritage-month-2021/#:~:text=In%20recognition%20of%20the%20achievements,%E2%80%9CNational%20Hispanic%20Heritage%20Month.%E2%80%9D <https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/09/14/a-proclamation-on-national-hispanic-heritage-month-2021/>><<https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/racial-ethnic-groups/hispanics-latinos/>>
The month’s theme for 2022 is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. Through this message, the National Council for Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) reinforces “the need to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed in decision-making processes, thereby helping to build stronger communities and a stronger Nation.” More information can be accessed through the National Archives website <https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/hispanic-heritage-month> and the NCHEPM announcement page <https://nationalcouncilhepm.org/announcements>. <<https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/hispanic-heritage-month>><<https://nationalcouncilhepm.org/announcements>>
Board Priority(s) Addressed:
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Effective Governance
Attachment(s):
1. Proclamation